All of the enthusiasm on HF for the black bird from experianced hammock users has me sold. It even looks like WB Guy is making a top quilt (saw Shug's). The question that I am hoping you all can help me with is using separate insulation under the legs. What are some ways, ideas, other than using a pad. I don't usually carry a pad any more and don't want to add it to my pack. I am thinking of maybe using my rain jacket and putting spare clothes in it to make a pad that would slip between the layers. Any ideas are much appreciated.

12-30-2009, 10:19

Cannibal

More often than not, I use my pack under my legs. Depends on the type of pack you lug, but if it's an internal frame or frameless pack, it works great!
But this question seems to apply more to the use of a Yeti underquilt than it does a Blackbird hammock. If using a full length uq on a Blackbird, there is no need for additional insulation under the legs.

12-30-2009, 10:26

Mustardman

You mentioned legs, but you didn't mention what you are using for insulation for your torso - will you be using the warbonnet yeti?

12-30-2009, 10:26

Bug-Bait

I have a Speer Snugfit that I use with my BB as an underquilt and am happy with it. It probably weighs more than the 3/4 underquilt, but I've been happy with it...and, I don't carry a pad with me.

12-30-2009, 10:39

Blue Caboose

Thanks Cannibal, You are right I guess it is about the Yeti. I am looking for the complete system and the only glitch (for me) is that the Yeti is torso lenght. My pack is an internal frame but has a stiff hip belt that does not fold down so probably won't work. I am probably making more out of this than neccesary, I can usually figure something out to stay warm. The winter Yeti appeals to me because it is good to as cold as I will want to be out in and it is part of the "system" that WB Guy seems to be developing.

12-30-2009, 10:48

Cannibal

You could try just letting the hip belt form around your legs, in other words put your legs where your back sits on the pack. I don't have that problem with my ULA packs, but I know the hipbelt comes out and goes back in very easily; just a velcro strip and a couple of straps holding it. Might see how much of a PITA that is on your pack. Never know, it might be really easy.

12-30-2009, 10:59

Blue Caboose

Great idea

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannibal

You could try just letting the hip belt form around your legs, in other words put your legs where your back sits on the pack. I don't have that problem with my ULA packs, but I know the hipbelt comes out and goes back in very easily; just a velcro strip and a couple of straps holding it. Might see how much of a PITA that is on your pack. Never know, it might be really easy.

That sounds worth a try. The belt with my legs through it might even automaticaly hold it in place.

12-30-2009, 12:48

Harpo63

I've been advised by several on this forum if I do not want to use a pad, don't want to use the backpack under my legs, and am not concerned too much about the UQ weight, I should consider a full length UQ.

12-30-2009, 13:34

deadeye

I know you said you didn't really want to add anything, but how about 3-6 sections of a z-rest pad. Very useful as an around-camp or lunchtime sit pad, as under-leg insulation in the hammock, a torso pad for cowboy camping, a waffle mold:scared:, a splint for those darn broken bones, etc.

It's what I use, about an ounce per section.

12-30-2009, 13:36

Mustardman

I wouldn't worry about sticking to the Warbonnet "system" - hammocks are very much a modular setup, and no two people seem to ever have things exactly the same. Any underquilt designed to work on a gathered end hammock should work just find with your Blackbird.